Minister of information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu says Malawi appreciates United Nations (UN) support when the country was hit by Tropical Cyclone Freddy which affected many livelihoods.
The minister made the remarks in the US after President Chakwera met the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.
He said President Chakwera met the UN Secretary-General to acknowledge various UN support to Malawi in times of disaster and other social protection programnes such as the Social Cash Transfer Programme.
Kunkuyu said the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) provides rare opportunities for President Chakwera to meet and discuss with the UN Secretary-General, donors, and potential investors.
“The president made a further appeal to the UN through the Secretary-General that there is still a need for assistance to go towards the people of Malawi. We still have more people that are affected by drought, the dry spells, and Cyclone Freddy and are still nursing the injuries,” Kunkuyu added.
He said the President also told the Secretary-General that Malawi people who were affected by the drought still need assistance in the form of food as Malawi is faced with numerous climate change-related challenges.
Kunkuyu therefore said Chakwera’s travels to UNGA and other global summits are always for the good of the people of Malawi.
“Chakwera travels to represent his people and when he is representing his people, he carries with him problems that his people are facing in Malawi.
“He also touched on the effects of climate change. He put it straight that his people need to be bailed out of situations through building climate resilient infrastructures,” the minister added.
While still in the USA, President Chakwera also attended and made a presentation on Malawi’s digitalization efforts at a Summit for the Future which discussed and reflected the youth and digitalisation.
“The president was invited to make a presentation to hear his plans as far as digitilisation is concerned. He shared his vision to have affordable connectivity,” Kunkuyu said, adding that Malawi has been recognized as among 20 countries doing well in digital connectivity.
In the meantime, the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is constructing Information Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories in community day secondary schools across the country as part of the Universal Service Fund and Connect a School Project.
Apart from attending the 79th session of UNGA, the president will also attend high-level meetings to discuss a wide range of issues ranging from peace and security to sustainable development.
